At first this unassuming coffeehouse in a Vons shopping center doesnt call too much attention. The windows boast coffee, expresso,sandwiches, pannini, continental cuiseine and Portuguese cuisine. But if you have any Portuguese blood in you at all or just enjoy Portuguese food- then my friends you have found a treasure in this little cafe.

When you first walk in theres the counter where you order and a menu of sandwiches, smoothies, panninis, expresso drinks and to the side a big board with the Portuguese Specials of the Day. It changes daily, with Caldo Verde (kale soup) and Bife a Portuguese ( Steak Portuguese style) offered everyday as well. Theres also a bakery case of cookies, muffins and Portuguese Baked Goods on the weekends- masa sevada (sweet bread), Malassadas (doughnuts) and the highly addicting delicate custard cups called Quejadas de Natas ( or as the owner aptly described them, “Eat one and then beg for more of them”).

After ordering my meal of steak and some muffins for the kids I sat down tried to explain to my kids why I was here and why Portuguese food meant so much to me. I had no idea the older gentleman seated at the next table over enjoying his lunch was the owner. He walked up to me, shook my hand and asked if I was Portuguese. I said I was and he started talking to me in Portuguese! Oh Joy! Too bad I’ve forgotten about 90% of what I used to know and asked him to say again in English. So I found out this was Joe- the owner. I told him how I was looking for Portuguese food and we ended up chatting while I was there, and he personally brought me my meal and kept asking if I’d like some wine ( every Portuguese meal has to have wine) and if I liked the food. Boy, it was GOOD.

What a sweet man. When I told him how I had not had Linguica ( portuguse sausage) in years, he surprised me by frying up some and bringing me a little plate of it to go with my meal. Remembering it brings tears to my eyes. May seem silly to you, but this simple food was linked so strongly to memories of the family I grew up in, and his kindness in that little gift made that meal one of the best and most remembered meals ever in my life. Sometimes the soul can be hungry for something, and Food can feed souls too, not just bodies.

I had been looking for years for a restaurant serving Portuguese food, I grew up eating my grandmother’s cooking and listening to my dad describe all his favorite sorts of meals. My mother often cooked it as well. I’ve even bought a few Portuguese cookbooks but was never sure if I had the seasonings just right. Its difficult to explain, but sometimes when you crave a cuisine, crave it all the way in your soul, cooking it yourself isnt the same, I couldnt find some of the authentic ingredients without paying a ton in shipping costs. Well this cafe isnt just a cafe, the owner, a kindly older gentleman named Joe Medeiros, is Portuguese and can order Portuguese linguica (sausage), Bacalau ( salted codfish) and a number of Portuguese wines, cheeses and other specialty products. Just ask for him and he has a list of things you can order.

All in all, GREAT food, awesome service, a kindhearted owner, authentic Portuguese food & desserts and a link to the Portuguese Community. What can be better then that?